Torsional Spring Roller Jammer Assembly for Compact Torque Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiter assemblies face challenges in interconnecting input, spring, and output shafts in limited spaces without compromising functionality across clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations, and require additional assembly operations or adjustments to divert torque effectively during jams.
Innovation Solution
A torsional spring type roller jammer torque limiter design that includes an input shaft, output shaft, and a preloadable torsional spring, with specific tangs and slots for alignment, allowing torque transmission through the spring during normal operations and diverting torque to an external structure during jams, utilizing a roller jammer and cam profile for efficient torque management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a torque limiter assembly uses traditional interconnection methods for input shaft, spring, and output shaft, then the assembly requires additional assembly operations or adjustments, but this increases device complexity and assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the input shaft and output shaft into a single integrated shaft structure with concentric bores, eliminating the need for separate interconnection components. This merging reduces the number of assembly operations and adjustments required while maintaining the torque limiter's functional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated shaft structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the input shaft and output shaft, provides alignment features for the torsional spring, and incorporates the cam profile for roller jammer actuation. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity without compromising ease of manufacture
2Reliability
If the torque limiter diverts torque to external structure during jams, then protection against torsional overload is achieved, but additional components are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The roller jammer mechanism is integrated directly into the shaft structure, with the cam profile formed as part of the shaft itself rather than as a separate component. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts while maintaining the reliability of torque diversion during jam conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated shaft structure performs multiple functions: torque transmission during normal operation, torque limiting through the torsional spring, and torque diversion to the external structure during jams via the roller jammer. This multi-functionality achieves reliable protection without requiring additional standalone components
3Volume of moving object
If the torque limiter is designed for limited space application, then compactness is achieved, but additional assembly adjustments are required to maintain functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric bore configuration allows the input and output shafts to be nested within each other, maximizing space utilization. The integrated structure eliminates the need for additional adjustment operations to achieve proper alignment and functionality in this compact arrangement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient torque transmission and protection against jams in limited spaces with minimal additional components and assembly complexity, ensuring functional requirements are met without additional adjustments, facilitating lightweight and cost-effective solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a torsional spring which is preloadable by a preload torque whereupon the torsional spring is fittable about the output shaft
Implementation Method 2
a roller jammer by which torque following the second TT path proceeds to the external structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A torque limiter (TL) is provided for torque transmission (TT) to downstream components. The TL includes an input shaft (151), an output shaft (152) and a torsional spring (230) which is preloadable by a preload torque whereupon the torsional spring (230) is fittable about the output shaft (152) with the output shaft (152) fit about the input shaft (151). For input shaft rotation, first TT paths proceed from the input shaft (151) to the output shaft (152) through the torsional spring (230) when downstream torque of the downstream components deceeds the preload torque and a second TT path proceeds from the input shaft (151) to an external structure when the downstream torque exceeds the preload torque.